SPRINGFIELD – A zone change that was approved by the City Council on Tuesday night will lead to expansion of a law firm in Forest Park and the offer of free office space for a neighborhood police substation.

At a meeting Tuesday, the council voted unanimously to approve a zone change at 198 Belmont Ave. in Forest Park from Residence C to Office A.

Stephen Phillips and Cornelius W Phillips III, representing the law firm of Dunn & Phillips P.C., said they plan to renovate the long-vacant house at that address to allow expansion of the law firm. The firm has been a fixture in the neighborhood for many years at 185 Belmont Ave. across the street from the house.

The Phillips said they hope the Police Department will be interested in having a police substation at 198 Belmont Ave. that would be available to officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the space provided at no charge. Such a use would benefit the neighborhood and the business, they said.

Several councilors praised the law firm for its long-term investment in that neighborhood, and said the firm is a strong anchor in that fragile area of the city.

There was no opposition to the zone change.

While the Planning Board had also favored the zone change by a unanimous vote in advance of the council meeting, the planning staff had raised some concerns including if there was adequate space for parking.

Councilors said the business has a strong record in that neighborhood and support from residents.